Weed Killer Guide may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page.
Many commercial weed killers available in the market today are designed in such a way that they can handle the pesky and annoying weeds present in the garden and lawns of homeowners.
While they are great options in dealing with garden pests and weeds, you may realize that it’s not actually safe in case you have dogs and cats at home or any other pet. In this case, it might be essential for you to look for the best pet-friendly weed killer in the market.
Remember that your beloved pets already form a great part of your life. You would want to guarantee their safety when they are roaming around your lawn or garden. That said, you really have to ensure that you invest in safe weed killers for them.
It should never cause them to get sick. Some of the weed killers known to be healthy and safe for pets are actually discussed in the next section of this article.
Pet-Friendly Weed Killer Comparison Table
| Product Name | Image | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Doctor Kirchner Natural Weed Killer Best Choice |  |
|
See Price Here! |
| 2. Espoma Organic Weed Preventer |  |
|
See Price Here! |
| 3. BioSafe Weed Control Concentrate Best Fast Acting |  |
|
See Price Here! |
| 4. Jonathan Green & Sons 5m Weed Organic Fertilizer |  |
|
See Price Here! |
| 5. EcoSMART Organic Weed & Grass Killer Best Value |  |
|
See Price Here! |
5 Commercial Weed Killer Products Safe for Pets
1. Doctor Kirchner Natural Weed Killer – Best Choice
One of your options for natural and non-toxic weed killers is the Doctor Kirchner Weed Killer. Also a non-selective contact herbicide, it is definitely a great investment as it can cover a huge area while killing all types of unwanted weeds and grass that are thriving in your lawn and garden.
Make sure to apply this to an unwanted plant in its post-emergent stage to guarantee the best results.
One more favorable aspect of this weed killer that’s safe for dogs, cats, and any other pets is the fact that it works in a fast-paced manner.
In fact, it lets you enjoy noticeable results in just one hour. It is also possible for you to enjoy the rainproof protection of this product in 30 to 60 minutes after the application. This solution is suitable for use in flower beds, borders, pool deck, hardscape, pavers, mulched areas, and gardens.
What’s Special About the Product
If you’re searching for a natural and homemade weed killer formula then this weed killing solution from Doctor Kirchner indeed suits you. It is special in the sense that it is a sustainable, biodegradable, and non-toxic solution, making it safe not only to pets and humans but also to the environment.
It is bee-friendly, too while being free of substances that might be harmful to pets and the environment. You will notice that it does not contain glyphosate.
It’s also one of the fast-acting and pet-friendly weed killers you can find today. Rest assured that it has the capacity of giving you the results you wish to attain within just an hour.
Grasses the Product Kills:
Considering the fact that this natural weed killer is non-selective, it guarantees to let you enjoy a weeds controlled environment by ensuring that all d their unwanted species are eliminated upon contact.
It targets all unwanted grass and weed species, thereby freeing your lawn or garden from them.
2. Espoma Organic Weed Preventer
If you are looking for a natural and safe solution for handling weeds in your lawn and garden then the Espoma Organic Weed Preventer is definitely a perfect option. Made out of corn gluten meals, this product prevents weeds by stopping it from developing its roots.
It works as a selective systemic weed preventer, which is appropriate for use on pre-emergent weeds. You can safely apply it two times a year – during the early spring and fall.
This organic weed preventer also has a wide coverage as it can handle a maximum area of 1,250 to 2,500 square feet. It tends to be rainproof within 30 to 60 minutes.
What’s good about this natural weed preventer is that it guarantees to give you visible and noticeable results after just a few hours of applying it. It would be best to reapply this product every 4-6 weeks if you want to enjoy full control of the weeds in your lawn and garden.
What’s Special About the Product
One special fact about this product is that it is organic and all-natural, making it truly safe for your pet and kids. It is also designed in such a way that it can feed your lawn to guarantee effective weed prevention while ensuring that it starts showcasing a deep, vibrant, and green color.
You’ll also find this product special because it’s granulated to be easy to apply while giving a good supply of nitrogen for a long time. This can further result in a greener and thicker lawn.
Since it is a natural and safe weed killer, your kids and pets can roam and play around the lawn safely even right after you applied it.
Grasses the Product Kills:
- Dandelion,
- Black nightshade,
- Velvetleaf,
- Redroot pigweed,
- Barnyard grass,
- Large crabgrass,
- Annual bluegrass,
- Curly dock.
See also: Best Weed Killer for Lawns in 2019 – Buyer’s Guide & Reviews
3. BioSafe Weed Control Concentrate
Another pet-safe weed killer that you can use is the BioSafe Weed Control Concentrate. You can categorize it as a non-selective herbicide, which works upon contact on post-emergent weeds.
It’s one of the most effective natural weed killers you can find today considering the fact that it delivers noticeable results a few hours after its application. It can kill weeds in just 2 hours.
Yes, it indeed works instantly in a wide area. Each 2 fluid ounce of this product can indeed cover an area of 200 square feet.
It works well when applied on actively growing unwanted plants as it is effective in destroying their cells within just a few hours. Rest assured that this is also rainproof within around 1-2 hours.
It is a water-soluble and non-volatile weed killer, which will never cause harm to your pet, the environment, and the people around you. It is also highly recommended for new and avid gardeners.
What’s Special About the Product
As one of the most effective organic weed killers, expect BioSafe Weed Control Concentrate to handle all types of unwanted plants, grass, and weed in your lawn and garden.
This liquid formulation also makes use of a burn-down method to attack perennial and annual broadleaf weeds as well as unwanted grasses within just a few hours.
The use of such a method is truly special as it works in attacking the stems and leaves of the weeds, thereby ensuring instant weed control and annihilation. It’s also a good choice because of its biodegradable nature, which means that it won’t migrate.
This lets you install new plants and seeds into the treated area right after killing all the weeds.
Grasses the Product Kills: One great advantage of BioSafe Weed Control Concentrate is that it works using a non-selective formula, which means that it is effective when dealing with all types of weeds and grasses. These include, but not limited to:
- perennial and annual broadleaf weeds,
- grasses,
- dandelion,
- ragweed,
- liverwort,
- crabgrass, and
- chickweed.
4. Jonathan Green & Sons 5m Weed Organic Fertilizer
Another organic weed killer and fertilizer, which is based on cornmeal, is the Jonathan Green & Sons 5m Weed Organic Fertilizer. This organic fertilizer falls under the category of selective systemic type, which is a big help in taking full control over pre-emergent weeds.
One remarkable advantage of this product is that you can easily spread it and apply on a wide coverage (up to 5,000 square feet) to guarantee its superior weed control ability.
There is also a guarantee of its ability to supply highly noticeable results in just a few hours after the targeted weeds and grasses come in contact with the solution.
It is specially formulated to be used from spring to fall. One impressive fact about this solution is that it also works as an organic fertilizer designed to give the nutrients required for your beneficial plants.
What’s Special about this Product
One special thing about this solution is that it delivers a dual-function. Expect it to do a pretty good job as a weed controller and killer as well as an organic fertilizer.
It is capable of controlling a wide range of grassy weeds. You will also feel at ease using it for home improvement by applying it on a vegetable garden, herbs garden, flower bed, and lawn.
Made to be natural and organic, you do not have to worry about the safety of your kids and pets after the application even if they come close to the treated area. Another distinctive quality of this weed killer is that it uses a natural corn gluten meal technology capable of stopping weeds prior to the time when they sprout.
Grasses the Product Kills:
- Broadleaf weeds,
- Crabgrass,
- Dandelions,
- Bittercress,
- Henbit,
- Chickweed,
- Spurge,
- Clover,
- Common purslane,
- Annual bluegrass.
5. EcoSMART Organic Weed & Grass Killer
Another all-natural and organic product that you can use to kill weeds and unwanted grasses is the EcoSMART. One favorable benefit of this product is that it can be categorized as a non-selective and contact weed killer, so expect it to be capable of killing all types of post-emergent and pre-emergent grasses and weeds.
Rest assured that it has the ability to perform its intended function once it comes in contact with its target.
Ensure that you apply this weed killer at a time when there are zero risks of rain within 24 hours after you applied it. It is because it does not have a rainproof function so you have to let the treated area stabilize first before letting it get wet.
It is an amazing product because it is also a quick and efficient product. In fact, you have a guaranteed that it kills its target on contact. You’ll get the chance to notice its results in hours.
What’s Special about this Product
One special feature of this product is that it is 100% safe and organic. This can make you feel at ease when you are using it because you have a guarantee that the formula used is completely safe around pets and children. It is non-toxic and does not contain any harsh chemicals.
Another thing that makes this product truly distinctive is that it produces a fresh and natural scent. There is no need for you to put up with an overbearing and harsh chemical smell when using this product.
It’s also great to use in a wide range of areas, including your patio, yard, driveway, walkway, along with foundations and fences, and areas surrounding shrubs and trees.
Grasses the Product Kills:
Because of the non-selective nature of this weed killer, you also have a hundred percent guarantee that it kills all kinds of grasses and weeds in a fast, safe, and effective manner. With that, you have an assurance that your garden and lawn will be free of those that might hamper its ability to grow and look great.
You might also like: Best Weed Killer 2019: Buyer’s Guide & Reviews
4 Tips in Choosing a Pet-Friendly Weed Killer
Proper lawn care is actually achievable if you choose to use the best herbicide or weed killer designed to get rid of unwanted plants from the area. It should be able to help you bring back the elegant and nurtured look of your garden.
The best product, in this case, is that, which plays a major role in lawn weed control as well as in enriching the greenery that flourishes around you in an organized manner.
If you have pets, then rest assured that you can make homemade weed killers that are safe for them. Commercial weed killers safe for your pets are also available in the market.
Most of them are available in natural and organic form, and you can choose the best one using these tips:
1. Check the ingredients
Before buying a specific organics weed killer, it is a must to check out all the ingredients used in manufacturing it. Your goal is to find one, which uses natural and organic ingredients.
Also, find out if there are offensive ingredients used in the product. If there is then it would be best to look for another one.
It’s also crucial to have a basic understanding of some harmful ingredients. Among them are chloroform and carbon tetrachloride as both are known to be carcinogens that you have to avoid.
Stay away from products containing 2,4-D, too, as these are known to be toxic, especially for pets.
2. Look for products guaranteed to be pet-safe
Check the label of the product before buying it. There should be an indication in there that it received certification from the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) or licensed veterinarians regarding its safety on pets.
3. Be aware of your exact needs
Note that some of the weed preventing and killing products in the market today are capable of working on everything. If you wish to kill all types of weeds in your garden then you may want to invest in an organic or natural herbicide under the non-selective category.
It does not choose the weeds that it controls.
However, it might also affect the beneficial plants in your lawn. You may also want to just invest in a selective herbicide capable of killing specific weed species instead of your lawn.
Just make sure that you are familiar with the type of weeds you’re dealing with so you can pick the perfect match.
4. Check the severity of the problem
Another way to pick the most suitable weed and grass killers for you is to identify how severe the problem in your garden or lawn is. If the problem is just starting out or is not fatal yet then spraying out the solution is often enough to do proper weed and pest control.
However, for more severe cases, such as having dense weeds then it’s advisable to do an intensive treatment and clear them from the roots.
You might also like: 10 Strongest Weed Killer Kill Everything on Market
How to Use a Weed Control Fabric
Aside from buying a pet-friendly weed herbicide, you might also want to consider using a weed control fabric as a means of stopping weed growth naturally and safely.
It’s a great natural solution if you want to finally stop having to dig up the weeds manually from your lawn or garden.
While it’s not suitable for all kinds of situations, it still performs well when used in environments that are considered to be appropriate for it. Some gardeners even say that the weed or landscape fabric is effective in stopping the weeds from taking hold in the area.
Just make sure that you choose to invest in a high-quality type of fabric to increase your chances of enjoying a lot of benefits from this solution.
SCOTTS 25-year Pro Fabric
One of the weed control fabric that you can use is the SCOTTS 25-year Pro Fabric.
Measuring around 3 x 150 feet, this fabric can definitely help you accomplish proper lawn, garden, and plant care by ensuring that you control weeds naturally and without the use of harsh chemicals.
That’s actually a plus if you are living with pets and kids whom you don’t want to get harmed by the use of products laden with chemicals and toxins.
What’s good about this fabric from Scotts is that it is durable and strong. Rest assured that despite its strength and durability, it is still not too heavy that you will already have a hard time lifting and installing it over your lawn or garden.
It is constructed out of high-quality fabric, which ensures that you will not experience a flimsy plastic feel from it. The sturdiness of this weed control fabric does not also compromise the ease involved in installing it.
You will still find ease in installing and cutting it. That said, expect to be able to do the whole installation and cutting process without needing the help of a professional.
It is also designed to be a heavy-duty product designed to offer satisfaction because of its well-constructed overall structure and long-term durability.
Expect it to remain intact for years while taking pride in its nice weave. It works well in retaining wall jobs as well as in patios and walkways.
Aside from helping you control weeds for the long term, it also works effectively in controlling and reducing the risk of soil erosion.
Considering the fact that it’s offered at a low price, it is safe to say that it also suits gardeners who have a smaller budget. It lets them enjoy a decent and effective weed control without having to spend too much and deal with toxins.
How to Install a Weed Barrier Fabric
Installing a weed control or weed barrier fabric can indeed offer numerous benefits. It’s a great alternative to commercial herbicides that might contain chemicals and toxic substances.
What’s good about this solution is that it makes use of a permeable fabric, which lets nutrients, air, and water reach the roots of plants and the soil.
The result is that it improves the ability of the ground to retain moisture, so you might need lesser amounts of water for plant growth. The fabric also stimulates the growth of plants because of its ability to prevent and kill weeds that might deplete the ground of essential vitamins and nutrients.
To let you enjoy the many rewarding benefits of this weed control fabric, it’s time to install it with the aid of these simple steps.
Here’s a quick explainer video for our visual learners:
Step 1: Determine the perfect way to cut the weed control fabric
It’s because the fabric often comes on a roll. You also need to figure out how you should lay it in order to fit the specific area you wish it to cover perfectly. In this case, you can cut the fabric with the help of scissors.
Roll it out and set a 1-inch overlap (this is where the fabric’s two pieces should meet).
As for the edges, your goal should be to cut the fabric in a way that fits the area you wish to cover.
Secure or pin it in place with the aid of landscape staples or the decorative edges of rocks.
Note that you’ll need to put one layer of gravel, mulch, or bark on the topmost part of the fabric. That said, there should be something, which will keep the edge of the fabric in place.
Step 2: Cut one slit into the fabric
You have to do this, especially if you plan to lay it around already existing plants. The cut should be from the nearest edge.
After cutting the slit, slide it into place in such a way that it is around the plant’s primary stem. If necessary, make a bigger hole to avoid pressuring the plants.
Step 3: Set the plants on the specific area where you wish to place them
This step is crucial if you wish to add plants after you have laid out the fabric. After setting out the plants, cut an “x’’, which is big enough to hold the plant, to the weed control fabric using a craft knife. Tuck back the flaps then use a hand trowel to start digging a hole.
Step 4: Put the plant normally and add compost if necessary
Once done, the fabric’s flaps should be on top. Ensure that the flaps lay flat. It is because you need them to secure the fabric after putting your preferred covering or the mulch around the added plant.
Step 5: Cover the weed control fabric with decorative gravel, mulch, or bark.
Once all the steps are covered, you will finally see the fabric is installed. While it might still be necessary for you to weed from time to time, pulling the weeds manually will be much easier because their roots won’t go over the topmost layer.
How to Control Weeds Naturally with Mulch
The use of mulch is also another natural way to control and prevent the weeds in your garden. It serves as an effective and safe weed barrier. All it takes is to add a layer of around two to three inches to your lawn or garden.
Such a layer is enough to prevent the seeds of the weeds from sprouting. Fortunately, you can actually utilize different types of mulch. For instance, you can use small stones and pebbles but remember that they are incapable of breaking down and amending the soil.
You may also use a straw, which is the most commonly used mulch in vegetable gardens. Another popular option is the grass clipping.
However, take note that it’s not that aesthetically pleasing so it’s not that good in case you want to add an attractive garden décor to your home.
The perfect option that you have, in this case, is the bark mulch, which provides your garden with an appealing, finished, and clean look while still preventing weed growth.
Other great options for controlling weeds naturally are:
- chopped leaves,
- cocoa hulls,
- compost, and
- pine needles.
3 Reasons Why You Should Use Mulch
Using mulch to control weeds is truly rewarding because of its numerous benefits. These include:
- Suppresses or inhibits the growth of weeds
- Adding a thick and nice layer of this natural solution can actually stop the growth of weeds because it prevents them from having access to light that’s essential for them to germinate. It’s because the mulch covers the soil thoroughly.
- Also, take note that the bare soil causes the seeds of the weed to germinate. In this case, you can cover it with mulch to prevent the weeds from being in contact with the soil.
- Retains moisture
- Another reason why you should use mulch in controlling weeds is that it keeps the soil moisturized, which is actually the key to healthy plant growth. If your plants are healthy then it would be easier for them to fight diseases and insects.
- Promotes a healthy soil
- It is because of the ability of the mulch to break down eventually. Once it breaks down, your soil will receive more organic matter and nutrients, which is helpful in improving its health.
Applying the Mulch
The key to ensuring that you’re using mulch the right way is to apply the right amount. If your goal is to retain the moisture in the soil and smother weeds then you might need to add a layer of 2-3 inches.
If the layer is less than that, then there’s still a chance for light to penetrate, causing the germination of weed seeds.
Properly applying it also involves ensuring that there is at least an inch of space from the plant. Avoid pushing the mulch up against the plants in your garden. Note that applying it directly to the plant might cause it to hold too much moisture, leading to rotting. Ensure that you replenish the added organic mulch occasionally, too.
Add one more inch of it annually. You can do it in the fall or the spring season.
How to Pull Up Weeds by Hand or Tools
If you really want to avoid using harsh chemicals to eliminate weeds from your lawn or garden then you can actually do the process by pulling them up using your hands (manually) or with the aid of certain tools.
To pull up the weeds by hand, you will need to identify the ones you wish to remove from your lawn or garden, loosen the soil surrounding them, and pull them from the roots.
To lessen the effort you need to do this task, you may consider using some tools to help with the process. In this case, you can use a weeder, such as the one recommended next.
Fiskars Deluxe Stand-up Weeder
If you are searching for a tool, which you can use to help you eradicate weeds from your garden with less hassle then the Fiskars Deluxe Stand-up Weeder is worth checking out.
It is actually the best tool that you can use to remove thistles, dandelions, and any other weeds that are invading your garden permanently.
You will also be glad to know that you can use it without having to apply harsh chemicals multiple times. It is actually a great benefit, especially if you have pets around.
What is good about this stand-up weeder is that it is equipped with a long shaft, making it more convenient to use. It is mainly because this specific feature prevents you from experiencing sore knees and backache due to the need to kneel, bend, and stoop when you pull up the weeds.
Another great benefit of this product is that it features an improved offset handle design.
Such handle is ergonomically designed, which is actually a big help if you want to improve your grip while reducing the strain on your wrists. You will definitely find it convenient to use in all your weed pulling activities.
Another positive benefit of this tool is that it is equipped with four serrated claws made of stainless steel that tend to really dig deep down the ground while retaining the strength and stability of its hold.
With such strength, expect the claws to be able to grab the roots of the weed species you are targeting, thereby promoting a complete removal. Another special feature integrated into this tool is its easy-eject mechanism, which you can find at the handle.
It lets you clear and cleans the tool quickly and easily since you do not have to remove it manually. You will also find this tool fun and easy to use.
How to Use the Fiskar Weeder
For you to be able to use Fiskar weeder correctly, you may want to check out the guidelines in this YouTube video. This will prevent you from committing mistakes all throughout the process.
The good news is that the whole process is easy and it prevents you from having to break your back because there is no bending and other strenuous steps involved. Even a teenager who is also interested in gardeners can actually use it.
Basically, the correct use of the weeder involves the following simple steps:
- Position the Fiskar weeder and find the lever that you should step on to get the weeder down to the ground. Use all your weight from one foot to push the lever down.
- Pull it up. Once you pull it up, you will see the claw holding the weed that it captured.
- The next step is to locate the offset handle, which you need to pull down to eject or release the captured weed/s. Make sure that you have a pail or container close to you to store the removed weeds so you do not have to deal with a messy garden afterward and exhaust yourself from all the cleanup that you need to do right after.
So basically, the whole process of using the Fiskar weeder involves just 2-3 basic and simple steps – pushing down the lever using the weight of one of your foot to the ground, pulling it up then pushing down the ergonomic handle to release the captured weeds. It is totally easy since you do not have to bend or do the whole weed pulling by hand.
It is also quick to use. For more info about this cool and easy-to-use product, refer to the video mentioned earlier.
How to Kill Weeds with Heat
Another way for you to deal with weeds in your garden without the need to use herbicides filled with harmful and unwanted chemicals is to use fire or heat.
It is actually an old technique for killing and controlling weeds. You can see this method is commonly applied in agriculture and is suitable for you depending on the plot size.
It is also an effective technique in killing several weeds fast without having to use herbicides. Your goal, however, should not be to set the weeds and grasses on fire.
It should just be to break down their cell structure to kill them. One way to do this process is to use a torch kit such as the one briefly reviewed in this section.
Red Dragon VT 2-23 C Weed Dragon Propane Vapor Torch Kit (100,000-BTU)
One of the torch kits that you should consider investing in is the Red Dragon VT 2-23 C Weed Dragon Propane Vapor. One remarkable benefit of this product is that it already gained the approval of the National Home Gardening Club, which gives you a guarantee that it is indeed safe to use.
Another reason why it continues to receive good reviews is the fact that the kit already comes completely assembled. This means that it is ready to use right after you get a hold of it.
With its 100,000 BTU capacity, it is possible for this torch kit to really excel when it comes to getting rid of weeds from your garden without exposing your pets and the people around you to chemical and toxic residues.
It is actually a handy tool, which works well for landscapers and homeowners. It is designed in such a way that it can kill weeds from your garden and lawn while ensuring that the use of chemicals and the need for mowing will be significantly reduced or eliminated, especially in those areas that are difficult to reach.
It even comes with a handle, which is around 23 inches, and a gas hose, which is around 10 feet in length. Both of these features promote ease in reaching all corners of the area you are planning to target.
You can, therefore, expect to have a more precise aim while ensuring that you get wider coverage. This kit is also guaranteed to be easy to use and operate. In fact, you can quickly hook it up to a refillable propane tank.
The fact that it will also reach your hands fully assembled means that you will no longer have to deal with the installation process yourself. You can actually use it immediately.
How to Burn Weeds with a Torch
Burning weeds using a torch kit is actually pretty simple. You can probably imagine it already.
Here, watch this video or just follow the below instructions.
- The first thing that you have to do is to get a burn permit from the fire department. Find out if your area requires such a permit and get one prior to starting the weed torching process.
- Prior to torching, make sure that you water the soil surrounding the weeds. This is crucial in the proper conduction of heat. Also, make sure to sweep the targeted area so they will be free of any debris as well as lose combustible materials.
- Once you have done the mentioned steps, you can light the torch. Slowly move to the targeted area and let the flame from the torch pass along the weeds. Your goal should be to target the leaves and roots of the weeds when applying the flame or torch. Doing such causes the instant evaporation of moisture present in the weeds, allowing them to die.
- Once you have covered all the weeds, you should sweep and clean the area. Your goal should be to get rid of all the extinguished remnants.
When using this method to kill weeds, do not forget to keep in mind a few tips to guarantee your safety. One tip is to avoid torching weeds that grow on combustible or dry materials. You should also avoid doing the process during the drought period. Also, it is advisable not to burn poisonous plants, including poison ivy.
It is mainly because these plants might produce smoke that triggers serious allergies. Also, ensure that you strictly follow all the instructions indicated in the torch kit you are planning to use. That way, you won’t end up committing mistakes along the process.
5 DIY Pet-safe Weed Killer Methods
It is also possible for you to make a DIY, homemade pet safe weed killer using common household items. Some of the items you can find at home that’s useful for this purpose are the following:
- Boiling water: You can actually boil water and use it to kill weeds. What’s good about this DIY solution is that it is simple, inexpensive, and devoid of any harmful chemicals. What you can do is to pour a pot containing boiling water to certain areas with weeds, like your driveway or sidewalk. Ensure that you get really close to the plant and slowly pour the water.
- Salt: Another item in your home that you can use to kill weeds is table salt. It’s a big help in killing unwanted plants and prevent their future growth. All it takes is for you to drop a pinch of it at the plant’s base.
- Vinegar: Cider or white vinegar is also an effective natural and homemade weed killer. This common household item actually contains acetic acid, which is effective in killing the leaves of the unwanted plants and weeds. You just need to apply this multiple times to established weeds to deplete their energy reserves, killing them in the process.
- Sugar and chili pepper: You can also kill weeds with the aid of sugar. Applying it to the base of the targeted plant will help stop its growth while making the soil unsuitable for its survival. You might want to mix sugar with chili pepper, though, to ensure that it does not attract pests that love sugar.
- Cornmeal: Another option you have is cornmeal, which is actually effective in stopping the seeds of the weeds from developing. You just need to scatter it around the targeted area to prevent weed seed growth.
5 Homemade Pet-safe Weed Killer Recipes
Do you want to make your own weed killers at home? Then there are some recipes guaranteed to be safe even when used around pets and humans:
1 – Neem oil weed killer recipe
To make this recipe, you have to prepare a spray bottle and mix a one-half ounce of organic neem oil, one-half teaspoon organic liquid soap and two quarts warm water in there. Shake the bottle to mix the ingredients. Once done, you can spray the mixture on the leaves of the unwanted plants. Ensure that you also spray the undersides as this is where bugs often hide.
2 – Lemon oil and vinegar weed killer recipe
You can actually make this recipe by combining around 2 cups of horticultural vinegar with a splash of lemon oil. Mix the two ingredients together in a spray bottle. The mixture should then be directly applied to weeds. Make sure, however, that you only spray this solution to the plants you wish to get rid of as it might also kill beneficial plants that it comes in contact with.
3 – Vinegar and liquid soap weed killer recipe
For this recipe, you will be needing one gallon of vinegar. It is highly recommended that the vinegar has around 10% to 20% acetic acid. You will also need two tablespoons of salt and one-half cup of liquid soap. Mix the mentioned ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake well. Use the mixture by spraying it to the stems and leaves of the weeds.
4 – Lemon juice and dish soap weed killer recipe
What’s good about lemon is that it has an acidic nature, which is useful in making a really effective homemade weed killer. It causes the weeds to wilt within just one to two days. To make this recipe, you need the juice of one-half lemon, one cup water and one and one-half liquid dish soap. Pour water into a spray bottle then add the liquid dish soap. You should then squeeze the juice of the lemon into the mixture. Shake well. Once done, it is advisable to spray this DIY solution over the weeds. Be generous in spraying. Just one application of this solution is a big help in killing the weeds in just 1-2 days.
5 – Clove oil spray
Another helpful organic alternative to chemical-laden weed killers is the clove oil spray. To use the spray, pour around 20 drops of the clove essential oil, 20 ounces of vinegar, and a pinch of salt into a spray bottle. Shake the ingredients well then apply directly on weeds.
With the aid of these natural remedies for lawn and garden weeds, you can finally get rid of all the unwanted plants in the targeted area.
Just make sure that your chosen DIY recipe or solution really works for the specific weed species you wish to target. Ensure that you also apply it only to the unwanted plants to prevent damaging your beneficial plants.
Best Ways to Kill Weeds in a Way that’s Safe for Pets
When it comes to determining the perfect organic gardens weed killer that is safe for your pets, it’s necessary to weigh the pros and cons of all the natural solutions laid out to you.
The natural and organic herbicides, for instance, are excellent choices because they’re devoid of the chemicals and toxins often present in other commercial weed killers.
The problem, however, is finding the best one might be a challenging process considering the fact that there are some products that are incapable of killing the weeds and grasses you’re targeting.
That said, you need to really read the label and ensure that it works for the plant species you wish to get rid of. The use of mulch is also another way to kill weeds naturally and safely.
Mulches are great options because of their ability to suppress the growth of weed, retain moisture, minimize soil erosion, and insulate crops. Organic mulches can even provide nutrients to the soil. However, they are also at risk of becoming homes to pests.
Using a torch kit or heat can also help. It aids in getting rid of all traces from weeds. It is also less laborious compared to shoveling.
You can also expect the torch or heat to do the immediate removal of weeds. The problem is that it is a time-consuming process. In most cases, it takes more time to torch the weeds than shoveling.
Conclusion
If you rather use a commercial product that is 100% safe for your pets to be around, then take a look at our top choice:
Doctor Kirchner Natural Weed Killer
Whether you choose to use any of the homemade weed killers and the recipes mentioned in this article, torch it, manually pull them up or use a weed fabric, it’s all good.
The point is there are actually plenty of ways for you to create and use a pet-friendly weed killer.
Regardless, you just have to figure out which one can really supply you the kind of benefits that you wish to attain and which one is the safest if you have pets around.